Treatment of Solid Tumors
Treatment of Solid Tumors
Solid tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that arise from organs or tissues in the body. Unlike blood cancers, which affect the blood or bone marrow, solid tumors form in solid organs such as the breast, lungs, head and neck region, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, gynecological organs, and soft tissues like muscles and bones. Treating solid tumors requires a multidisciplinary approach involving accurate diagnosis, staging, and personalized therapy to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The treatment of solid tumors begins with a thorough evaluation by an oncologist to determine the type, size, location, and spread of the tumor. This usually involves imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans, and often a biopsy to examine the tumor cells under a microscope.
Common treatment options for solid tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Surgery often plays a critical role in removing the tumor and nearby affected tissues. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells or stop their growth.
Targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of many solid tumors by focusing on specific molecules involved in cancer growth, minimizing damage to normal cells. Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells effectively. Hormonal therapy is used particularly in cancers like breast and prostate cancer, where hormones fuel tumor growth.
Along with these treatments, supportive care is essential to manage side effects and improve the patient’s quality of life. This includes pain management, nutritional support, and psychological counseling. Multidisciplinary cancer care teams often include oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and counselors working together to provide holistic care.
Early detection and timely treatment significantly improve survival rates and outcomes in patients with solid tumors. Advances in cancer research, diagnostic tools, and treatment modalities have led to more personalized and effective therapies, offering hope to patients diagnosed with these complex cancers.
Dr. Amritjot Singh Randhawa, with his expertise in medical oncology, specializes in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of solid tumors. His approach integrates the latest treatment advances with compassionate patient care to deliver the best possible results.